On May 6, Matt had his first follow-up visit with Dr. Steuer.   The doc was super excited about how well Matt is recovering.  He also told us for the first time the things that he was afraid of losing during surgery … glad we didn’t know this ahead of time!! He said,  “We were able to save his sight. We were able to save his hearing. We were able to save his motor functioning.  Unfortunately, we lost a vocal cord, but considering how close to *then he whispers* death, I think we did great.”   Holy moley!!!

Dr. Steuer said that Matt was must be made up of some “good healing stuff.”   No fancy Latin doctor speak, just good stuff!  Of course Matt, in all of his wit, had to respond, “Yes, I’m remarkable.”   He may have lost a vocal cord, but his sense of humor is still in tact.

Matt isn’t released from the doctor’s care just yet, but he has been given permission to do most anything in moderation.   We go back in 2 months for a follow-up MRI and then radiation later on in the year.

Thank you all so much for encouraging and supporting Matt during these very surreal and difficult times.  If it weren’t for ALL of you and what you’ve given, whether it be encouraging words, a monetary gift or prayers, this remarkable outcome would not have happened.

Went to the ENT today to check out why his Godfather/Clint Eastwood voice is lasting so long. Doc said that his left vocal cord is now paralyzed … probably due to some trauma during the brain surgery. It may get better on its own, it may not. He’s having some problem with swallowing certain foods/drink … and he’s as hoarse as a horse of course of course. Tomorrow he gets his stitches out!!

BEST NEWS YET … TOTALLY BENIGN!!!! “No atypical blah blah blahs”. Dr also amazed that there’s NO, let’s repeat, NO movement or coordination problems. But we’re not surprised are we?! He even said that radiation can be put off for a year or more.

Prayers, thoughts, positive vibes and positive energy have worked miracles!! Dr. said he was able to get 95% of that trouble maker, much more than was expected! Dr is pretty sure it’s benign but because he’s so young to have a tumor, it raises the risk that its Cancerous. Matt is already waking up, Probably the only one in ICU. Dr. was able to get it totally off the brain stem. Dr Steuer took a break to drink a Coke in the entire 10 1/2 hrs. No facial paralysis and he’s moving his hands and fingers. Doc said it turned out to be the best possible outcomes! Good thing Heaven is huge, cuz it had to hold A LOT of prayers!!

Thank you all,
Matt’s mom

5:30 AM – Arrived at the hospital

8:00 AM – Matty is taken back into Surgery

9:30 AM – Update from the surgeon, they just started the 10+ hour surgery.

12:15 PM – Update from the surgeon, everything is going well

Well, went to the Doctor today and things went well. It is less than one week until surgery and I think the nerves become more and more as each day pass. Oh well, Im sure things will be fine. So, let’s see, I got the staples out of my belly and the stitches out of my head. Now I can wash my hair, or what’s left! I will be asleep the whole time during surgery for those that were asking or watching too much Grey’s. The “cool” thing on the back of my eye is Papilledema. Also,  there was a small hemorrhage on the back of my eye. I dont think any of that is of too much concern a quick google search just says to find what’s causing it and, well, we’ve done that… After the neurosurgeon I went and had some blood taken, Im not even concerned about that stuff any longer, it’s easy. I think that’s all.

Paul Spencer Moss has organized a fundraiser here are the details.

What: Car Wash
When: Saturday April 3rd @ 9am – until we get kicked out
Where: Chick-Fil-A @ 5180 Windward Parkway West, Alpharetta, GA 30004

Need Driving Directions?

Hey, everyone! First, I just want to thank you all for the kind words and support. This has been a truly humbling experience and my family and I are all tremendously grateful! There was a good question posed on a forum and here as to why I did not/dont have health insurance and I wanted to take a second and answer. I was in insurance limbo…out of college and too old to be on my parents plan and at the same time interviewing for jobs looking for a company with health benefits. Also, although this apparently has been growing for 10 years until the last year I felt relatively healthy and at this age, naievty got the better of me, thinking I was invincible. That feeling also fueled by a doctors visit in December, presenting the same symptoms and being diagnosed with INSOMNIA.  It wasn’t until October or November of 2009 after the Falcons/Bears Sunday night game that I passed out for the first time and then last Tuesday was the 4th time. I was actually in the process of shopping around for individual policies when all this happened…but, they are kind of pricey…and on Wednesday, in the hospital, got a job offer that I had to turn down because of some medical problems… Now, perhaps I wont be turned down with this preexisting conditions clauses, but I am unsure. But, you can bet that I won’t be missing so much as a renters insurance payment. So, I think that’s the answer if you have any more questions any of you can feel free to email me at my personal account matthewgarrettking@gmail.com. Again, thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Catch you on the flip!

Matt

p.s. I would be wondering what’s with the Matt/Matty thing…well, it’s just what my family calls me, Matty. Plus, I have a step brother who made this awesome site that is named Matt, so it clears confusion. Although, I think most still stick with King or Kinger which are fine too… so, call me whatever, really. I’ll answer, typically, just enjoy talking with people.

Matt had a big play date with his friends yesterday.   He had lots of visitors and they took him out to eat Mexican (his all-time favorite food) and to a movie afterwards.    He conked out about 9:45pm and was a little sore today, but he says it was worth it!!

Today, Deb took us out to lunch … he wanted Mexican, go figure.   I think visitors will start arriving  around 3pm today — it’s good to be King!!

Visitors really perk Matty up  … keep ‘em coming!!